URBAN STREAMS Union of Baltic Cities Commission of Urban Planning & Commission of Environment

RIGA | September 14th-17th

1 Welcome to Table of contents

Honoured guests of Riga! Dear UBC seminar participants!

Welcome to the capital of and the European We are happy that this UBC seminar is taking place at Capital of Culture 2014! a time when are shaping the new Territorial Plan for Riga has been a member of the Union of the Baltic Riga. Our aim is to achieve a balanced and sustainable Cities since 1991 and we are pleased that we have the development that rests on international cooperation honour to organise the UBC seminar for the third time and professional experience exchange. already. The theme of this seminar – Urban Streams – plays I believe that this seminar is an effective means an important role not only in the context of our city but to encourage cooperation between the Baltic Sea also in the wider scale of the Baltic Sea Region. countries, exchange experience, promote unity and With the rising concern over climate change, cities Welcome to Riga 2 shared understanding across the region. need to pay closer attention to solutions that can We are also happy that the seminar is taking place at a ensure sustainable adaption to changes to come. Table of contents 3 time when Riga is celebrating its title as the European I hope that this seminar becomes a step closer to Capital of Culture and I hope that in your spare time these solutions and their effective implementation. Theme of the seminar 4 you will have the chance to enjoy the wide variety of cultural events and explore Riga, the city of inspiration. Dzintars Balodis The speakers 5 Nils Usakovs Director of Riga City Council Program 6-7 Chairman of the Riga City Council City Development Department About Riga 8-9

Workshop territories 10-11

S – Kīleveina Channel 12-13

M – Zunda Channel 14-15

L – Islands 16-17

Practical information 18

Facilitators 19

2 3 Theme of the seminar The speakers Robin Crompton Senior Lecturer in Planning and Urban Design Department of Planning & Transport, Faculty of Architecture and the Built Environment, University of Westminster in London Water has always been associated with life. And historically water objects – rivers and lakes – have been essential for emergence and life of the cities. In the early days of human settlements water served as a resource for food and Hannamaria Yliruusi M. Sc. in Environmental Management and Policy, Project Manager water. With the development of civilization, lakes and rivers became widely used for defence, trade and industry at UBC Commission on Environment dealing with development purposes. The water has shaped the way cities look today yet the relationship between the city and the water has projects that concern water quality and water management always been complicated. Water bodies have been admired for their beauty but at the same time they instil fear for the natural power that they have. Anita Zariņa Dr. Geogr., Assistent professor at University of Latvija, Department of Geography, researcher in landscape planning Water has played an important role in Riga’s development as well. River has been key to the city’s initial and cultural geography growth and over time it has come to be known as a true national symbol. Agrita Briede Dr. Geogr., Professor at University of Latvia, Department of However, over the years the riverbanks gradually sunk into oblivion. With the advance of the industry, the Geography, research climate variability, extremes and climate waterfronts were increasingly taken over by factories and heavy machinery. To support the growth of the industry, change. new roads were built and the riverbanks were cut off from the residential areas. Different forms of water transport that used to operate within the city slowly disappeared but the water bodies were still being polluted by the heavy Māra Liepa-Zemeša Dr. Arch., Territorial planner at Riga city Council City industry and an inadequate sewage infrastructure. Development Department

Yet the trends are shifting. Climate change – heavier rainfalls and more frequent floods - have raised the question about the need to adapt to climate change rather than to fight it and have fuelled discussion on how to deal with rain Lauma Līdaka Mgr. Arch., Territorial planner at Riga city Council City and storm water in urban environment. This trend is coupled with growing demand for good quality public space, Development Department wider and more diverse water body use. EXCURSIONS To what extent can the natural water cycle be restored in an urban environment? How to develop urban space along the water bodies? And who are the ones that need to be involved in the planning process? Jānis Lejnieks Armands Rabovičs Dr. Arch., Editor of magazine Deputy Head of Project Division, Riga City Questions like these are being asked in many towns and cities. Therefore in this seminar we would like to address “Latvijas Architektūra” Council City Development Department all these aspects of city-water relationship and let you find the answers to questions by working on specific territories in Riga. Ieva Kalnača Jānis Ķīnasts Art historian, Art Academy of Latvia. Freelancing urban planner. During three days of seminar you will have a chance to live with the water, work, discuss and offer sollutions for Working at Latvian National Museum Project manager assistant at of Art and as a tour guide “(D)rain for Life” Riga. But remember ancient legend: „Every hundred years, a spirit rises from Daugava River and asks the first person it meets whether Riga is complete. If the person answers that Riga is complete, the city would sink into water. Since EXAMPLES FROM DIFFERENT CITIES all Riga residents know this tale, they always tell the spirit that Riga is not yet complete, which is why Riga exists to this every day.” Ilze Rukšāne Katarzyna Wiśniewska Mgr. in Spatial Planning, Head of the Department of Urban Planning landscape architect, urbanist and Architecture at Municipal Office in at apdALPS Elbląg, Poland

Andris Ločmanis Barbara Jackson Mgr. Geogr., Urban planner Programme Director for Zennström at Riga City Council City Philanthropies’ Baltic Sea initiative, Development Department Race For The Baltic BE A PART OF NEVER – ENDING CREATION OF A CITY! BE A PART OF RIGA! Jānis Ķīnasts Per Arne Nielsen Freelancing urban planner. Head of Urban development Project manager assistant at and Climate, City of Malmö “(D)rain for Life”

4 5 Tuesday, 16th September Program Location: Riga Technical University, Faculty of Architecture & Urban Planning

8:30 Lecture “European Landscape convention - approach for Riga” by Anita Zariņa Sunday, 14th September Location: Restaurant “Ostas skati”, Matrožu iela 15, Rīga 9:30 Workshop (coffee break included) 12:00 Lunch 18:30 Meeting at hotel “Islande” lobby 18:35 Guided tour around Ķīpsala (by foot) 13:00 Environment session : 19:30 Dinner at restaurant “Ostas skati” ✓ “Race For the Baltic – Supporting Modern Sustainable Development in Cities” by Barbara Jackson Monday, 15th September ✓Recent developments in the world of SUMPs – greetings from the Location: Riga Technical University, Faculty of Architecture & Urban Planning CIVITAS DYN@MO & CH4LLENGE projects” by Maija Rusanen and Esther Kreutz 8:00 Registration ✓General issues and UBC Sustainability Action Programme 8:30 Opening 9:00 Riga story 14:00 Examples from different cities : by Lauma Līdaka ✓Reanimation and Remediation of River 9:15 The new planning documents of Riga – opportunities and challanges by Ilze Rukšāne by Māra Liepa-Zemeša ✓ (D)Rain For Life – Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems 9:30 Climate change in Riga by Jānis Ķīnasts by Agrita Briede ✓Caleidoscope of Riga waterspace by Andris Ločmanis 10:30 Coffee break ✓How Elbląg is changing – first effect of the UBC seminar by Katarzyna Wiśniewska 10:45 Lecture “It´s raining again - tools for storm water and flood ✓Experience from Malmo management for cities” by Per-Arne Nielsen by Hannamaria Yliruusi 11:45 Introduction to project territories 15:00 Workshop continues (coffee break included) by Lauma Līdaka 17:00 Free time

12:00 Lunch 17:45 Meeting at hotel “Islande” lobby and departure to pier 18:00 Departure to Old Riga (by boat) 13:30 Lecture “Regeneration and waterfront development in London – from 18:30 Guided tour in Old Riga (by foot) mega-projects to community-based schemes.” 19:15 Dinner at restaurant “Neiburgs” by Robin Crompton ...... Enjoy autumn spirit by crossing river Daugava by foot 14:30 Guided tour in workshop areas - by bus, by bikes, by boat according to workshop territory (Hey! Grab a comfortable shoes and jacket) Wednesday, 17th September 16:30 First impressions – meeting in groups at workshop premises (coffee Location: Riga Technical University, Faculty of Architecture & Urban Planning break included) 8:30 Workshop – final touch 17:30 Free time 9:30 Group presentations (open for public) 11:30 Conclusion and summary 18:30 Meeting at hotel “Islande” lobby (bus to “Spīķeri”) 11:45 Invitation to the next UBC seminar in Gdansk 18:50 Guided tour - renovation of historical quarter and promenade “Spīķeri” 19:30 Dinner at restaurant “Dārzs” 12:00 Lunch 21:30 Bus to the hotel “Islande” 13:00-17:00 Planning workshop for the UBC Sustainability Action Programme 2016 – 2025 (coffee break included) For the timetable please see the seperate page

6 7 Iceland

About Riga Riga is the Capital of the Republic of Latvia and the geographic centre of the Baltic region countries. Riga is located in the central part of Latvia on the south coast of the Gulf of Riga. The city was founded in 1201. Its strategic geographic location has contributed to Riga becoming the centre of the economic life of the Baltic region countries since the times of the Hanseatic League, the association bringing together the German cities engaged in trading with the North Sea and the Baltic Region countries. Riga covers only 0,5% of the territory of Latvia but it concentrates more than 1/3rd of Sweden Finland countries population and therefore most of the economic and cultural activities of Latvia as well. With it`s almost 700 000 inhabitants it is not only the largest city of Latvia but as well the 3rd largest city around the Baltic Sea. Norwai Riga`s urban environment and architecture, as well as the accessibility of its natural resources – the Daugava River, greenery and nature areas – are the prerequisites for quality of life and are added value in any aspect of city life. Russia

Estonia

RIGA Denmark Ireland

Lithuania

United Kingdom Belarus

Nether- lands FACTS & FIGURES Poland Founded: in year 1201 Belgium Area: 304 km2 Germany Inhabitants: 643 620 Water proportion: 17% Total waterfront lenght: 411km Luxembourg Ukraine Czech Republic

Slovakia

France Austria Moldova Switzerland Liecht. Hungary

8 Slovenia Romania Croatia

Bosnia and Herzegovina Serbia Italy Monte- negro

Workshop territories Freeport of Riga

EDIUM ZUNDA CHANNEL M City Centre Reveal the diversity of this waterfront, think about access and functionality… Seminar location

Hotel

Old Riga

DIFFERENT SCALES – DIFFERENT CHALLANGES Spīķeri Quarter

With the previous UBC seminar in mind, this year we have selected the same territory that was analysed last time in order to ensure planning continuity. MALL KĪLEVEINA CHANNEL All three territories have played an important role throughout S the city’s history and are centrally located in urban structure of Small is beautiful but it must be discovered, Riga. Zunda and Kileveina Channels are located on the left bank polished and allowed to shine. Think about the River Daugava while the islands can be found right opposite design and details. the city centre and the most historical part of Riga – The Old Town.

These territories have evolved over time as a result of the changing flow of the River Daugava that in turn has been affected by natural processes and human activity. Water is definitely one of the defining features when one is to consider the development opportunities for these chosen locations. LARGE ISLANDS Each of the selected territories offers a different challenge due There is nothing more complicated than to its size, location or historical background so feel free to choose designing a greenfield site. Think strategically the one that suits you the best. and wisely, give your advice!

10 National Library of Latvia Railroad bridge

University of Latvia new campus

Mūkusala bussines S centre Former family S gardens Housing

Poorly used industrial KĪLEVEINA CHANNEL areas

Kileveina Channel runs parallel to Biekengravis and flows into Trolleybus the River Daugava right next to the Railway Bridge. This channel depot collects surface and rain water from neighbouring territories that since Soviet times has served industrial purposes and is therefore heavily polluted and overgrown. Despite its current condition, it has a real potential to become an appealing recreational spot as territories around it are changing.

Former industrial areas are now slowly turning into office clus- ters. On the left bank of channel the building process of new cam- puss for University of Latvia has startet, on the Northern part this year has been finished the building of National Library of Latvia. For people who work, live and in future will study study in the area Kīleveina channel can serve as a place where to stop and rest Shopping mall for a moment in daily run. In addition, it can also be turned into a unique example of a sustainable rain water management system. Historical housing

Warehouses

12 Closed port activities

Historical housing M Women`s M prison

Former industrial area Historical ZUNDA CHANNEL housing Zunda Channel is one of the River Daugava’s branching rivers that separates the island Kipsala from a major part of Riga called Pardaugava. In the old days Zunda used to be a wharf perfect for barges due to its sheltered location and slow river flow. The islanders were known to be fisherman, seamen, pilots, ferryman Exhibition and other tradesmen whose occupation relied on the vicinity of centre the River Daugava and the Baltic Sea. School of media and Restored Today Zunda Channel gives a fascinating insight into the architecture wooden different times that it has seen. There are old fisherman huts next houses to abandoned factories, a small university community opposite a large supermarket, an impressive expo hall right across from vacant land waiting to be developed etc. Furthermore, the Southern tip of Kipsala has been cut off from the rest the island by the Vansu Bridge and is gradually being turned into a high rise district. Riga Technical university All in all, there is a lot of contrast between the “new” and the Campuss “old” architecture on the banks of Zunda Channel where luxurious New houses rub shoulders with derelict wooden huts and neglected development plots of land. But what pains Riga the most is that over the years this valuable channel has sunk into oblivion and its potential to offer a unique public space has not been achieved. Planned highrises

14 LL

Television of Latvia office ISLANDS

“A fairy tale right in the heart of Riga…” Those were the words of one of the most beloved Latvian poet upon discovering the Lucavsala Salu (islands) public park bridge island Lucavsala.

The city islands have remained relatively intact despite the rapid urban development on the both sides of the River Daugava. Largely this has been due to their inaccessibility, lack of infrastructure and complicated geomorphological conditions. Rowing That in turn has resulted in a somewhat peculiar landscape – school the island Lucavsala is covered in urban allotments while the island Zakusala hosts various television buildings, its roads are popular with people who are learning to drive and the forested Television area is sometimes used for military training. Due to their limited tower functionality, the islands have not been used by many people which is why they have been able to preserve that very special and unspoilt charm. Building material store Lately, however, the islands have started to experience some change. There is a new public park on the island Lucavsala and a spacious promenade facing it on the right side of the River Daugava. Furthermore, the city is planning to build another Family promenade on the left bank of the River Daugava that will offer a gardens better access to the island from both sides. Ultimately the island Lucavsala will be connected to other recreational zones allowing for a wider and more varied use of the island.

16 Practical information Facilitators

If you have any questions, please contact us: Lauma Līdaka | Territorial planner – Lauma Līdaka Māra Liepa-Zemeša [email protected] /+371 67105471 Territorial planner Territorial planner Māra Liepa-Zemeša | Territorial planner – [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] /+371 67012926 Elīna Pētersone | Society involvement expert [email protected] /+371 67105956

Seminar location Elīna Pētersone The seminar will be held in Riga Technical university Faculty Society involvement expert of Architecture and Urban planning [email protected] Āzenes iela 18, Riga, LV-1048

Hotel For those of you staying in hotel Islande Egons Bērziņš here is the contact information: Ljeta Putāne Territorial planner Assistant professor at Riga Technical University Islande hotel Riga [email protected] [email protected] Kipsalas street 20, Riga, LV-1048 http://www.islandehotel.lv Telephone: +371 67 608 000 Aigars Kušķis Andris Ločmanis Territorial planner Spatial planner [email protected] [email protected] Transportation in Riga from Airport Taxi – The taxi can be found outside departure terminals. Use red or green ones. The price to the Old Town and the Center should be no more than 10 – 15 EUR. The journey takes up to 20 – 40 minutes depending on traffic. ✓ Red Cab (red ones) if you can’t find any free one in front of the Airport, call 8383. Madara Gibze Guntars Ruskuls ✓ Airbaltic Taxi (green ones) if you can’t find any free one in front of the Airport, call 8500. Territorial planner Spatial planner [email protected] [email protected] Airbaltic minibus “Airport express” shuttle – Buses depart every 30 minutes. The bus serves the route between Riga Airport and Riga city center with following stops: Riga Airport – Hotel ABC (Zolitudes str.) – Islande Hotel (Kipsalas str.) – Maritim Park Hotel Riga (Slokas str.) e.t.c. The price for a ride is EUR 5. Payments are accepted in cash only. More information – https://www.airbaltic.com/to-from-riga-airport

Islande hotel offer – Islande hotel transfer (up to 8 persons) – 17.50 EUR/per drive

Climate HOME: www.rdpad.lv The weather is typically mild at the begining of September. Temperature is around 13-15 Co. You must be prepared TWITTER: https://twitter.com/rdpad for sudden rain so grab both – sunglasses and an umbrella. Please take shoes and clothing that are suitable, FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/RDPilsetasattistibasdepartaments?fref=ts especially for Monday when the tours to the workshop territories will take place. YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/user/rdpad

18 19 Restaurant “Ostas skati”

Faculty of Architecture & Urban planning

Public transport stop (from Centre and Old Town) Hotel “Islande”

Public transport stop (to Centre and Old 20 Town)